Please follow the guidelines the day before your surgery to ensure that your operation goes smoothly:

• Notify your surgeon as soon as possible if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever.
• You will receive a phone call from our Nursing and Administrative Staff 1-3 days prior to surgery to review all instructions regarding your procedure and payment information. To protect your privacy, only a message to return our call will be left on your answering machine.
• If you wear contact lenses or glasses, bring a case for their safekeeping. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
• The night before your surgery, you may eat a light snack before midnight. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight not even coffee or water. This will reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting following anesthesia. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything. Refrain from the use of mints, chewing gum or cigarettes. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the cancellation of your surgery.
• Please do not take any medication after midnight unless medications on a daily basis for heart disease, blood pressure, seizure disorders, or asthma, you may continue taking them with a small sip of water. If you take aspirin, blood thinning medications or herbal supplements, please notify your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your surgery.

• It is your responsibility to arrange in advance for a responsible adult (18 years of age or older) to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You cannot drive or be left alone during this period. If you fail to arrange for a responsible adult to care for you, your surgery may be cancelled. Transportation by taxi or limousine is not generally acceptable.
• Please bathe or shower prior to your surgery. Remove all makeup. Do not use lotions, perfume or oils after bathing.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweat suits and easy to button shirts or blouses that are big enough to accommodate a large bandage after surgery. Wear comfortable shoes, no high heels, please.
• Leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged property.
• Bring a list of your medications and supplements with you on the day of your surgery, both prescription and non-prescription.
• Be prepared to sign a form giving your consent for the operation. If the patient is under 18, a parent of legal guardian must accompany the patient and sign the consent form.
• Bring all insurance cards and your driver's license with you to the center. Please see the section on insurance and billing.
• Please arrive one hour before your scheduled procedure.
• A nurse will provide you with a patient gown, slippers and a bag to store your clothing in once you are in the preoperative area. We will also check your temperature, blood pressure and pulse and ask you to empty your bladder before surgery. An intravenous line will be started to administer anesthesia and medications. An anesthesiologist will meet you before surgery to discuss your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
• Your family will be asked to wait in the front lobby. The surgeon will speak with your family immediately following surgery.

• Before you leave the center, you will be given written instructions for your care at home.
• After you have returned home, be sure to follow your doctor's orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity.
• It is not unusual to feel sleepy, lightheaded, dizzy, and/or experience pain for several hours after your operation. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours.
• If you have any questions or problems after surgery, please contact your doctor.
• A nurse from the center will phone you within a few days after your surgery to see how you are and answer any additional questions you may have.
• Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery or cook for 24 hours after surgery.
• While on narcotics or sedative pharmaceuticals you cannot drive.
• For endoscopy patients, you cannot drive, operate machinery, or make decisions of importance for at least 24 hours post procedure.
• For weight loss surgery patients only (Unless directed differently by your physician):
  • Week One: Clear liquids for a week with the exception of approved protein shakes.
  • Week Two: A blended diet such as baby food, oatmeal, yogurt, and applesauce.
  • Week Three: Soft foods such as, ground meat, flakey fish, beans, and cooked vegetables.
  • Forth Week and Beyond: Return to regular foods that are recommended by your dietician.

Please remember to bring all insurance cards and other pertinent documents with you on the day of surgery so that we may process your insurance papers for you. Any amounts not covered by your insurance, deductibles, or co-insurance will be collected at your preoperative appointment. We accept all major credit cards, cashier's checks, and CareCredit. We do not accept personal checks and require payment at least two weeks before your surgery date. The bill may not include the services of your surgeon, anesthesiologist or any lab or x-ray fees.

For anesthesiology, we use the following independent company:
Grand Canyon Anesthesiology
5110 N 44th St, L200
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Scheduling: 602-343-2900
Fax: 602-343-2901
info@GrandCanyonAnesthesiology.com
www.grandcanyonanesthesiology.com

It is your right as a patient to request information or have questions answered regarding fee or payment policies. If you have any questions or problems regarding your bill for EVSC, please contact our Business Office at 480-829-6100. We will be happy to help you between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

EVSC may or may not be out of network with your insurance company. It is the patient's responsibility to confirm this with your insurance. Your deductible may or may not be applied to your in-network deductible.